Elbow instability
If your elbow repeatedly gives way or feels like it might slip out of place, it could be a sign of elbow instability. This condition usually occurs when the ligaments that support the elbow are damaged, causing the joint to move more than it should. This can make simple everyday movements feel uncomfortable and affect how you use your arm.
What is elbow instability?
Elbow instability occurs when the ligaments that support the elbow are injured or no longer provide enough stability to keep the joint moving normally. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help keep joints stable during movement. The condition often develops after an injury, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand, but it can also result from repeated stress on the elbow over time. Depending on which structures are injured.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the instability but may include:
- A feeling that the elbow is loose or unstable
- The elbow slipping or moving out of place during certain movements
- Locking or catching of the elbow
- Pain when using your arm
- A feeling that the elbow may "pop out" during everyday activities, such as pushing yourself up from a chair
- Pain on the inside of the elbow during throwing activities
- Reduced throwing speed or performance in athletes
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by talking with you about your symptoms, how they started and how they affect your daily activities or sport. They'll then examine your elbow to assess its movement, stability and any areas of tenderness.
To understand the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Assessment of elbow movement and stability
- X-rays to assess the bones and identify any associated injuries
- MRI scans to assess the ligaments and other soft tissues where appropriate
How is it treated?
Your treatment will be tailored to your symptoms, your lifestyle and your recovery goals. Our consultants will explain your options clearly and work with you to recommend the approach that's right for you.
Treatment may include:
- Physiotherapy to help improve strength, movement and stability
- Avoiding or modifying activities that make your elbow feel unstable
- Wearing an elbow brace to provide additional support where appropriate
- Anti-inflammatory medication if recommended by your consultant
- Surgery if the elbow remains unstable or if there are associated ligament injuries or fractures
Treatment routes for elbow instibility
Most people with elbow instability can be treated successfully without surgery.
If your symptoms are mild or the elbow remains stable, treatment will usually focus on personalised physiotherapy, activity modification and, where appropriate, a brace to support the joint. Physiotherapy focuses on improving your strength and stability, helping you return safely to your usual activities.
Recovery goals for elbow instability
Recovery initially focuses on:
Reducing pain and swelling Protecting the elbow while it heals Beginning gentle movement when appropriate Preventing stiffness
As healing progresses, rehabilitation aims to:
Restore elbow movement Improve strength and control Increase confidence using the arm Return to normal daily activities
The final stage of rehabilitation focuses on:
Building strength for work, sport or recreation Improving balance, coordination and joint stability Returning to higher levels of activity where appropriate Reducing the risk of further injury
Working with elbow professionals and teams
Our elbow specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their elbows. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Elbow treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Elbow instability FAQs
Not always. Many people improve with physiotherapy, activity modification and, where appropriate, a brace. Surgery is usually only recommended if your elbow remains unstable or if you have significant ligament damage or an associated fracture.
Recovery varies depending on the cause of your instability and whether you need surgery. Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide your rehabilitation and advise when it's safe to return to work, sport and everyday activities.
This depends on your symptoms and the type of sport you play. You may need to avoid activities that make your elbow feel unstable while it recovers, but your care team will help you return safely when your elbow is strong enough.
It can if the ligaments don't heal properly or if you return to demanding activities too soon. Following your rehabilitation programme and your consultant's advice can help reduce the risk of your symptoms returning.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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